212 THE ESSEX NATURALIST.
was sunk at a cost of £10, a large sum in those days. The
first page of the book was occupied by the following :
The decoy was ready for use by September, 1714, and the
take for the 3rd of that month—the first day—is given as :
Duck 8, teal 4, and "wigging" 54, a total of 66 birds, by Jos.
Woodwards, Duckoyman. The decoy season for the first year
lasted from September to January inclusive, and during this
period there were captured 675 ducks, 347 teal, 46 "pyntail,"